PITCHING IN NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE WEST CITY OF LIVERPOOL VS COLNE FC
TUESDAY 7TH FEBRUARY 2023 - 7:45PM KO
Welcome to the Berry Street Garage Stadium for this Pitching In Northern Premier League Game vs Colne FC
4 - Message from the chairman
6 - Our visitors Colne FC
Don’t miss any action if you can’t get to the match! Keep updated with live commentary on purps FM & Purps TV.
City of Liverpool Football Club is a registered society under the Cooperative and Community Benefit Societies Act
2014. Our Registration Number is 7231. We are a supporter owned football club, with all shareholders owning 1 share each and operating on a 1 member 1 vote basis.
14 - Meet the COLFC squad
26 - Today’s Teams
Chairman: Paul Manning
Deputy Chairman: Peter Furmedge
Club Secretary: John Lavin
Club Welfare Officer: Mike Caulfield
COLFC Community: Sean Lindblad
Club Directors: Paul Manning, Peter Furmedge, Earl Jenkins, John Lavin, Mike Caulfield, Sean Lindblad, Thomas Keiner, Amanda Manning
Volunteer Co-Ordinator: Mike Caulfield
Charity & Mascots Co-Ordinator: Amanda Manning
Programme Editor: Sean Lindblad
Gatehouse: Peter Furmedge, Howard Klarfeld
Hospitality: Amanda Manning,
Stewards: Peter Manning, Lee Thwaite, Howard Klarfeld, John Lavin.
Website: Sean Lindblad
COLlotto: Paul Manning
Purps TV: Jason Morland
Purps Matchday: Michael Meadows, Sam Pearson
NLP Correspondent: Michael Meadows
Club Graphics: Sean Lindblad
First Team Staff - Michael Ellison, Mathew Cross, Chris Lawton, Ryan Brookfield, Georgia
Dutton (physio)
Junior Section - Earl Jenkins / Sean Lindblad
Colne FC were formed in January 1996, by a group of like-minded people under the wing of now Life President Dave Blacklock. The enthusiasts combined their strengths and knowledge of non-league football, and arrangements were made for a new club to use the vacant Holt House Stadium, once used by the Dynamoes in the North West Counties Football League Division Two.
Colne FC’s first ever competitive game was on the 17th August 1996 against Middlewich and the result ended in a 1 – 0 defeat. The team was then managed by Keith Mason, but after his resignation soon after, Denzel Hart was appointed to the hot seat. His first game was a 6 – 0 defeat away at Ashton Town, but just two games later Colne FC recorded their first ever victory thumping Bacup Borough 5 – 2. The highlight of the season, coming when the reserves won the BEP Cup at Clitheroe’s Shawbridge ground.
In the summer of 2002 James Webster took control of the
club, to become the youngest chairman in the league at the age of 24. James was a player at the club with plenty of experience and along with his father who was vice-chairman, had a strong desire to see the current side emulate the success of its predecessors.
Webster responded immediately by appointing Nigel Coates as the new manager as well as player Gary Rishton as his number two. Nigel had played for the Dynamoes, being in the FA Vase winning team and had experience of management at local rivals Nelson.
Season 2003/04 brought back the glory days to Colne with a string of successes. In the League Colne had to play catch up after a successful cup run but ended 4
the season 10 points clear in Division two, scoring 102 goals in their 38 games. Colne completed the double by winning the Division Two Trophy 1 – 0 over Great Harwood.
The season was capped by an amazing run in the FA Vase for a North West Counties Football League Division Two club, they progressed all the way to the Semi-Finals, (via an incredible 1 – 2 away win at AFC Wimbledon) before being defeated over two legs 4 – 3 on aggregate to AFC Sudbury.
As the season progressed attendances started to rise as the local population realised we were no longer the whipping boys of the league, and the famous RED ARMY was formed.
In November 2013 Colne’s manager for the past 10 years Nigel Coates stepped down from the hot seat and former Colne player Steve Cunningham was appointed manager, with another former Colne favourite Ted Cockett as his No.2 and Coach.
Steve and Ted had ambitious plans for the club and wasted no time in bringing in a few new faces to boost the playing squad, consolidating for the rest of the season but
with big hopes and plans for the following seasons.
Season 2014/15 proved to be a year of progress in terms of league placing, with Colne finishing a creditable fourth.
Season 2015/16 proved to be the best ever in Colne FC twenty year history. The Reds battled for the NWCFL Premier title with Runcorn Linnets and Atherton Collieries with the Reds winning the title with an 81 minute goal at 1874 Northwich securing 100 points and 100 + goals upon the way. The Reds also reached the Final of the League Cup before falling to Atherton.
2016/17 saw the club compete at Step 4 for the first time in their history and finished a more than creditable 5th and the final play-off spot which the Reds lost in the semi- final to Farsley Celtic. The Colne fans earned many accolades throughout the season for their fine and vocal support of the team.
The 2017/18 season saw Steve Cunningham lead his team for another tilt at the title. A new Chairman Ryan Haigh was appointed in June 2017 and with the backing of Utility Renewals. The Reds again were competitive missing out on the final play-
off place on goal difference.
2018/19 saw a new era for the club with the formation of the NPL West Division. Again Colne suffered playoff heartache losing to a last minute extra-time goal in the Semi-Final at Leek Town.
2019/20 saw the season null and voided due to the Covid epidemic with Colne in a mid-table position. At the end of the season long time manager Steve Cunningham stepped down and was replaced by Nathan Rooney.
2020/21 With a new manager and back room staff in place Colne were looking forward to being a challenger in a very strong league. Colne ended the curtailed season sitting in first place after nine games.
2021/2022 This season was our 25th anniversary since the demise of Colne Dynamoes and had the challenge of a new league to play in with several new signings and Lee Pugh taking over as captain from long time servant Alex Coleman. After 13 games and with the squad blighted by injuries to key players, the record was - Played 13, won 5 drawn 3, lost 5. In the FA Cup we played our old friends Trafford away and took them
back to Harrison Drive to win the replay 2-1. Next up were Stalybridge Celtic away who we beat 1-0 before losing at home to Guiseley AFC 1-0. In the FA Trophy we drew City of Liverpool FC away winning 1-0. The next round took us to Buxton beating them 2-1 to progress to the First Round proper. The draw then paired us with a Step 3 team from the Southern League Central Division, Tamworth FC. In a hard fought game which ended 1-1 Colne bowed out 4-3 on penalties. The First Round is our best progress so far in the completion.
Nathan Rooney resigned in December stating personal reasons He was replaced by Jonathon Macken who brought in Steve Atkinson as his assistant for our New Year’s Day game against Kendal Town - a scrappy 1-0 defeat. January 2022 was a month of comings and goings with six players in and an equal number being moved on and saw just 1 point from the last 6 games. February was no better with another four defeats but signs of improvement. March saw three wins and a draw with no goals conceded which effectively ensured safety for the season at this level. The club finished the campaign in 14th place with
a record of: Played 38, won 12, drawn 8, lost 18, 44 points.
2022/23 The campaign starts with a new manager, Macken having moved to Witton, Phil Brown comes in with experience in the league at Lancaster City and Clitheroe. After a number friendlies the signs are looking good with one defeat. In the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round we hosted 1874 Northwich running out winners 2-1 in a close fought encounter.
Former Lancaster City player who moved into coaching as assistant Manager to Tony Hesketh at Lancaster City where they won the NPL title. Phil has coached at Preston North End Academy along with Managing Clitheroe prior to the lock down.
A vastly experienced defender who has previously played for Bamber Bridge, Fylde, and Lancaster City.
A technical creative midfield player composed in possession who will combine his playing role with coaching the side. Former clubs include Warrington Town, Bamber Bridge Lancaster City and FC United of Manchester.
at Squires Gate to join Phil at Colne FC. A vastly experience goalkeeper at non-league level having previously played for Bamber Bridge and Lancaster City under Phil Brown during the season when Lancaster won the NPL title. Mike has also played at Conference North level for Bradford Park Avenue and Curzon Ashton. “I am really looking forward to getting started having heard positive things about the club added to the fact having played for Phil previously made the decision an easy one. I am looking forward to working with Hakan & Daniel.”
Started his career at Liverpool and Shrewsbury. A summer 2017 signing from Conference North team Curzon Ashton where he starred for three years. Big commanding keeper that has added quality and experience to the Reds defence. Had an outstanding season last year looking to progress again this time.
36 year old who recently left his position as player/coach
19 year old central defender good aerial ability solid and confident. Has a wicked cross and bags of stamina. Previously with Blackpool.
At 33 with vast experience, new signing from Ramsbottom this season spent some time in the Australian League outstanding in defence.
19 year old Bolton born highly mobile with a good pass strong tackler signed from Blackpool previous clubs Bolton Wanderers and Manchester City.
17 year old Burnley lad graduated from our Under 18 squad. Has impressed to be offered terms.
Back-up ‘keeper. Keighley born. Now 37 years of age, bags of experience.
Tom returns from his spell at Macclesfield. A very welcome return to bolster the defence. Big, strong and aggressive.
Summer 2020 signing from Clitheroe where he captained the team. Lively character with experience at Stockport County and Lancaster City. Hard working with bags of stamina.
Ezio has joined Colne FC from Nuova Florida Calcio where he played full time, despite being offered another contract he chose to return to England. An attacking midfield player who former clubs include Accrington Stanley, Bury FC and Halifax Town
Tom has been trialling in the Welsh Premier League, following his departure from Kendal Town. Tom is a player that our Manager has been tracking for a while, an attacking full back that includes Kendal Town, Lancaster City and Southport among his former clubs.
19 year Harry is a competitive midfield who has joined from AFC Fylde where he has spent the last three season on their full time programme. Prior to joining Fylde at 16 he played local grass roots football.
19 year old Jack has joined from Accrington Stanley where he spent the previous 12 years, a local lad from Higham Jack has an eye for goal links play.
Accrington have allowed Jack to continue to train with them on a daily basis. The club have to thank John Coleman and Jimmy Bell for allowing this young striker to join Colne FC.
19 year old Matty has recently joined from Accrington Stanley where he has spent the last ten years, although Matty was born in Poland he has lived in the local area for 10 years. Matty will combine his football with studying to be a physiotherapist.
19 year old Adam joins Colne on an initial 28 day loan from Morecambe Fc where he recently signed a professional contract on completion of his scholarship. Prior to joining Morecambe Adam was in the schoolboy programme at Preston North End.
U23 side. Luke can play as an attacking midfield player or in a wide position. “I was disappointed to be released by Accrington Stanley after spending so many years at the club, in fact my only club to date, however, having spent the pre-season on trial at Colne where the Manager and players made me very welcome, I was fortunate to receive a couple of offers however, once the opportunity to sign here at Colne FC it was an easy decision to make as I feel the Manger can help me develop as a player.”
21 year old joined during preseason from Marine where he played his part in helping Marine win promotion, A former scholar at Blackpool FC he also played for Phil Brown at Clitheroe then previously he played for Curzon Ashton and Lancaster City.
19 year old Luke who was recently released from Accrington Stanley after spending nine years with the club having come through the schoolboy section then completing the scholarship where he was a starter, whilst also being a member of the
Highly rated Ryan was spotted playing for Winsford United in the North West Counties Premier Division when FC United took an interest in him.
Hamer joined the Broadhurst Park squad in 2021-22 and made a debut as substitute in the Fenix Trophy fixture against Brera in Italy in April 2022.
Ryan made the switch in pre season 22/23 to City of Liverpool FC as the purps manager Michael Ellison looks to build his squad ahead of an exciting season.
The 24-year-old defender came through the youth ranks at Tranmere Rovers, spending 10 years with the Prenton Park outfit up to the age of 16.
He then had spells at Cammell Laird, Marine, Warrington Town and also represented Vauxhall Motors who were at the time in the National League North.
In the summer of 2019 Hughes spent a period on trial with TNS, suitably impressing enough in a number of pre-season fixtures to earn a contract with the full-time club.
The 35-year-old custodian is no stranger to manager Paul McNally, having captained his Skelmersdale United side to promotion to the NPL after a play off against Cinderford at the end of last season.
Rejoining Skem in 2019, Barnes was a key figure as Macca slowly transformed their fortunes.
Adam picked up the August 2019 goal of the month award for TNS, for a fine right footed strike against Aberystwyth Town who he later went on to join on loan.
Jack Walls is a 20-year-old right back who joined the purps in November. Jack is a product of the Liverpool FC Academy.
AdamProgressing up to Liverpool FC U23 football before leaving the Reds at the end of the 2020-21 season and being snapped up by the purps.
An impressive first season with the club came to fruition with Jack receiving the coveted young player of the season award for 21/22.
The 26 year old defender came through the youth ranks at Tranmere Rovers before leaving at the age of 18.
Shaw played 92 times for Marine across two spells before leaving at the end of last season, and has also represented Llandudno, Airbus UK and Widnes.
Blackburn Rovers and got to the FA Youth Cup final in 2012 with the Ewood Park side, eventually beaten by a Chelsea side featuring future Premier League stars Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Nathaniel Chalobah and Nathan Ake.
The experienced Wylie has played National League football for Stalybridge Celtic, featured in the NPL Premier Division with Marine and Warrington Town and also represented Skelmersdale United.
Our new signing is no stranger to manager Michael Ellison, who signed him for his Linnets side in 2018 from Marine, with the defender later going on to be appointed captain.
The 25 year old left back joins from Skelmersdale United where he was originally signed by Purps manager Paul McNally.
Hont has impressed this season in a Skem shirt, not least when his former side won 2-1 against his new team in August.
Jack has also previously represented Prestatyn Town, Burscough and AFC Liverpool.
The 28-year-old centre-back came through the youth ranks at
The 31 year old defender has previously represented a host of local clubs across the non league pyramid, including Marine, Burscough, Cammell Laird and Skelmersdale United.
Hollett rejoined Cables in October 2021 and was a pivotal figure for Kevin Lynch’s side with his leadership skills and no nonsense defending.
The experienced centreback became a real fan‘s favourite across two spells at the IP Truckparts Stadium, where he
was well known for committed displays and being immersed in the club both on and off the pitch.
The experienced defender joined the purps from Longridge Town in the NWCFL Premier Division and has previously played against his new club when representing Charnock Richard.
Schofield has experience of playing in the Northern Premier League for Burscough and had impressed as a trialist in a number of friendly fixtures for Michael Ellison’s side during the 21/22 preseason before committing to the purps .
winners against Litherland Remyca and Burscough in the title run in, as well as scoring “The Goal That Went Viral” by lobbing Hanley Town’s keeper with a first time effort from his own half in March 2019.
Michael Simpson –MidfielderSimmo was a key part of Michael Ellison’s Runcorn Linnets side which won the NWCFL Premier Division title.
A midfielder who is also capable of operating in defence, Simpson started his career at Bury before playing over 200 times for Linnets across a couple of spells.
Karl Clair – MidfielderClair came through the youth ranks at Liverpool FC and was part of the young reds side which got to the final of the 2009 FA Youth Cup, where he played alongside another former Purp in Michael Roberts.
Karlo originally joined the Purps from Marine in the summer of 2018 and made an immediate impression by slotting on his debut as his new club started the season by routing 1874 Northwich in their own back yard.
Clair went on to score crucial
Our new signing may be remembered by fans for scoring a spectacular brace as Linnets secured a resounding 5-1 win against Simon Burton’s Purps on their way to the 2018 NWCFL Premier Division title.
Since leaving the APEC Taxis Stadium, Simpson has recently represented NPL West champions Warrington Rylands and Step 5 play off winners Skelmersdale United.
Michael Grogan – DefenderAn experienced defender who
is also capable of operating in midfield, Grogan was a trainee at Manchester United before going on to represent a number of clubs across the Non League pyramid.
Mike has previously played for Warrington Town, Burscough, Cammell Laird and Telford United, where he was an important part of Liam Watson’s side as the Bucks won the 2013-14 Conference North title.
He notched an impressive 13 goals in 34 league appearances from a defensive midfield role, after joining from Cammell Laird in 2013.
Rylands earlier last year and now joins Michael Ellison’s Purps.
The winger returns for a fourth stint at the club, having initially signed from Liverpool Football College in 2017 and has made 101 appearances for the Purps to date, scoring 33 goals.
John was a key part of the side which won the 2018-19 NWCFL Premier Division title and scored the winner in a man of the match display as the Purps won the Reusch Champions Cup in July 2019.
Max Allen – MidfielderThe 24-year-old spent the summer of 2020 on trial with the Purps, impressing as “Trialist #1” in a number of pre-season fixtures before moving to America to play for College side San Jose State University Spartans.
A classy left-footed midfielder, Max started out at Liverpool Academy before moving to Bolton Wanderers at the age of 10, where he stayed until he was 18.
As a youngster he had a spell on loan in the NPL Premier Division with Skelmersdale United in 2017, featuring 16 times for Alan Rogers’ side.
After returning home from San Jose recently, Max signed for
Since leaving the club in 2020 John had a spell at NWCFL Premier side Lower Breck before moving to Widnes in September 2021.
McGrath hit fine form with Widnes, notching 12 goals in 23 appearances last season and became a real favourite at the DCBL stadium.
John now makes the return to his hometown club where he has always been held in high esteem for his energetic displays, creativity, and penchant for important goals.
JackJack, 22, signed from Liverpool
Hazlehurst –MidfielderFootball College in 2017 and has gone on to play 112 games, scoring 38 goals for the club.
The tricky attacking midfielder has become a firm fans favourite and has scored some memorable goals along the way.
The midfielder was a key part of manager Paul McNally’s side at Skem, making well over 300 appearances for the club across a couple of spells, and is now reunited with Macca and former team mate Danny Mitchley at Purple Hub.
Strickland represented both Manchester United and Chelsea at youth level, turning out for the London club up to the Under 18 age group.
Our new signing also spent a number of years at Marine where he made over 130 appearances for the Crosby club.
A versatile operator, Kenny is highly adept in a number of positions and will add to the strength in depth and leadership attributes Paul McNally is steadily building at the club.
The experienced forward had a stellar career in the professional game, amassing over 800 appearances in his career to date and left League Two side Newport County at the end of last season.
Ellison started his career in Non League with Southport and also turned out for Chorley and Conwy United before joining Altrincham.
After 23 goals in 51 appearances for Alty, Ellison attracted the interest of Peter Taylor at Leicester City, signing for the Foxes in 2001 and making his debut off the bench against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Kev has represented a number of clubs during his professional career, including Stockport County, Chester City, Hull City, Tranmere, Rotherham United and Bradford City.
Ellison is perhaps best known for a long spell at Morecambe, where he is a bona fide legend, scoring 81 goals in 352 appearances for the Shrimps.
The 32-year-old forward brings with him a wealth of experience which has seen him represent Blackpool, Southport, Mansfield, Wrexham and Altrincham amongst others.
Danny also had a fruitful spell with Marine during which time he scored 81 goals in 178 appearances and captained the side before leaving for Radcliffe in June 2019.
Mitchley is no stranger to Purps manager Paul McNally, for whom he has starred in recent years and leaves Skem after three spells at the club.
Our new forward has been a key player for Macca and was a pivotal figure in Skem’s promotion from the NWCFL Premier Division last season.
DANNY
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